Patrick Byrne, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and assault with a knife in Clondalkin on 9 October 2018. Byrne approached David Cleary, 41, who was visiting his mother, and demanded money. When Cleary refused, Byrne attacked him with a knife, kicking him to the ground and inflicting cuts to his back, index finger and eye. Cleary sustained significant visual impairment from the eye injury. Byrne, who has 21 prior convictions including robbery and assault, was sentenced to six‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. The sentence will run concurrently with the five‑year term he is currently serving for other offences, including possession of drugs. The judge noted Byrne's history of addiction and the victim's status as a vulnerable person. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
During a cross‑examination in a capital murder trial, defence barrister Daniel Cahill, 28, who was giving evidence via video link from New York, denied being a member of the "Ryan Crew" or Dublin Real IRA and insisted he was telling the truth when he said the accused, Aaron Brady, admitted shooting Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on three occasions. Cahill also denied that he gave evidence to avoid deportation from the United States. He admitted being a childhood friend of Vincent Ryan and knowing Dean Evans, who murdered dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Cahill said he had never been involved in criminal activity, had no interest in the Ryan "business", and had distanced himself from Ryan when he saw him wearing a bullet‑proof vest. The judge described the defence's suggestion that Cahill was engaged in Real IRA activity in 2012 as "outrageous" and "unacceptable". Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin court on 23 June 2020, Mario Snajder (32) and Miso Filjak (30) received suspended prison sentences for a drunken assault on a 20‑year‑old student on Harcourt Street in November 2018. Snajder punched the victim, Karl Canning, repeatedly, then kicked him twice after he fell. Filjak punched the victim once before he fell. Both men fled the scene. Canning suffered fractures, black eyes, loose teeth and nightmares, and his exam results were affected. The men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Pauline Codd suspended a three‑and‑a‑half‑year term for Snajder, conditioned on peace‑keeping and abstaining from alcohol, and ordered him to pay €1 300 immediately and €1 000 within a year. Filjak received an 18‑month suspended term and was ordered to pay €1 450 to the victim. Both men had no prior convictions and had expressed remorse.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Aaron Brady, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge. Daniel Cahill, a bartender from New York, testified via video link that Brady repeatedly claimed he had shot a Garda during a bar fight in 2013. Cahill described three occasions where Brady, while heavily intoxicated, spoke of having killed a Garda, referencing a robbery gone wrong. Brady's statements included threats to kill others and claims of being known for having used a gun. The testimony highlighted Brady's alleged admission of shooting a Garda, but no verdict or sentencing was reported in the article. The case remains at the trial stage with a 13‑person jury hearing the evidence.
In a Central Criminal Court sentencing hearing on 22 June 2020, Kieran Greene was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor, who was bludgeoned to death with a hurley in her Rathfarnham home on 29 May 2017. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of her death. Four other defendants – Louise O'Connor (41), Stephanie O'Connor (22), Keith Johnston (43) and Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor (76) – were remanded on continuing bail pending their own sentencing. The court heard victim impact statements from Patricia's son Richard and sister Collette Barry, who expressed disbelief at the brutality of the murder and the alleged cover‑up by family members. The hearing also included evidence that Patricia's body was dismembered into 15 parts found at nine sites across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Louise O'Connor pleaded guilty and was found guilty. Gus' O'Connor pleaded guilty. Kieran Greene pleaded not guilty and was found guilty.
Deborah Malcolmson, 43, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after stabbing former partner Brian Kelly, 56, with a kitchen knife during a domestic dispute in Rathfarnham on 29 July 2019. The attack left Kelly seriously injured, requiring intensive care and a colostomy bag. Malcolmson also pleaded guilty to threatening Kelly's son and assaulting Kelly in St James Hospital on 11 September 2019, where she swung a punch at him. The court noted both parties had serious alcohol problems and periods of homelessness, and that their relationship had been described as "dysfunctional" and "combustible." Judge Martin Nolan, after considering mitigating factors and the absence of a medical report, set a starting point of five years but indicated a three‑year imprisonment sentence would be imposed on the next hearing. The sentencing was adjourned to 19 July to allow Kelly to give victim impact evidence if he wished.
The Special Criminal Court heard on 19 June 2020 that five bullets were lodged in the head of Michael Barr, 36, who was shot to death at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. Liverpool native David Hunter, 41, is pleading not guilty to the murder. Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, appearing by video‑link, described the post‑mortem findings: seven gunshot injuries, including three entry wounds above the jaw, one behind the right ear, one behind the temple, one through the right shoulder blade, and one on the left thigh. He noted extensive skull damage and that the injuries were incompatible with life. Retired Detective Superintendent Eunan Dolan confirmed the pub was declared a crime scene and that CCTV footage had been seized by the Special Detective Unit. The defence questioned the seizure and the court adjourned the case to 23 June for further proceedings. The trial is expected to last four weeks.
A 38‑year‑old man was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for raping a sleeping woman in her friend's house in Co. Kildare on 12 March 2017. He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury in February 2020. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted the offence was aggravated by the victim's sleep and the great harm caused. The sentence was suspended for 18 months on strict conditions, including keeping the peace, good behaviour for five years and no contact with the victim. The victim, who remains unnamed, gave a victim impact statement describing her life as "hell" and that she will never be able to move on. She does not accept the accused's apology. The accused has one prior assault conviction. The trial was held in the Central Criminal Court.
A retired doctor, aged 86, appealed his conviction for abusing seven boys over a 21‑year period up to 1992. He was jailed for four years in February 2023 after pleading not guilty to 12 charges of indecent assault and one charge of sexual assault during medical examinations beginning in 1971. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to four years for one count of indecent assault and 18 months for the remaining counts, with all sentences running concurrently. The judge described the offence as a "serious pattern of misbehaviour" and noted mitigating factors such as the doctor's age and health. The appeal, presented by barrister Hugh Hartnett SC, argues that the trial judge erred by telling the jury that multiple complainants constituted "compelling" evidence and by refusing to discharge the jury on several occasions. The Director of Public Prosecutions defended the trial's conduct, and the Court of Appeal reserved judgment.
The Special Criminal Court heard testimony in the trial of David Hunter, a 41-year-old Liverpool native accused of the murder of Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub in Dublin's north inner city on 25 April 2016. An unnamed witness described crawling on the floor to bless Mr Barr's body after two masked men entered the bar and shot him seven times. She recounted that a mirror smashed during the incident and that she saw the shooters wearing Halloween-style masks. Defending barrister Ms Roisín Lacey SC questioned the witness regarding whether it was common knowledge that Mr Barr was scheduled for sentencing that week, to which the witness replied Mr Barr had mentioned going on holiday. Another witness, Stephen Clifford, stated he heard three shots and saw Mr Barr fall with blood from his neck. Nepalese barman Keshav Paudel testified that he hid behind the bar and called 999. Detective Garda David Kildea informed the court that the pub's CCTV hard drive had been seized days earlier for a separate matter. The trial, presided over by Justice Alexander Owens, is expected to last four weeks.
Daniel Murphy, aged 21, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for two offences. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 6 September 2018 and to aggravated burglary on 4 January 2020. The assault involved a Latvian man whose stolen bike was unlocked by another man; Murphy and a third man punched and kicked the victim, who required stitches and suffered a black eye. While on bail for the assault, Murphy and another man broke into a flat on James' Street. The resident confronted them, and Murphy jabbed a screwdriver at her. They attempted to steal her TV and phone, smashing a window in the process. The court noted 53 prior convictions, many from juvenile years. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a one‑year term for the assault and a three‑and‑a‑half‑year term for the burglary, running consecutively, with the final 18 months suspended for an effective custodial term of three years.
Padraig Tangney Junior, aged 39, received a suspended two‑year prison sentence for three counts of sexual assault of a child committed when he was 16. The offences occurred in 1995 and 1996 against his 13‑year‑old cousin at their family home in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Tangney pleaded guilty, and Justice Tara Burns noted his remorse and the fact that he was a child at the time of the offences, citing these as mitigating factors. The court accepted that the victim was extremely fragile and that Tangney's guilty pleas were valuable. He was found to be a low risk of reoffending, and the sentence was suspended on the condition he attends counselling for depression and stress management. Tangney is automatically registered as a sex offender, and the maximum sentence available is five years. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Joseph McGrane, a 60‑year‑old Dublin fruit and veg seller, had his 12‑year conviction for 11 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of sexual assault upheld by the Court of Appeal. The offences, committed between 1985 and 1993, involved four young employees aged 13 to 18 and a 22‑year‑old woman. McGrane, who denied all charges, was found guilty by a jury in March 2019 and sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. He appealed on grounds including alleged procedural errors, delays, and the handling of the indictment and jury directions. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, affirming that the trial judge had given the jury clear instructions and that no injustice had occurred. The conviction and sentence remain in force.
A fundraiser for the wives of IRA prisoners was held in an inner‑city Dublin pub when the bar manager, Michael Barr, 35, was shot dead. Two men wearing full rubber Hallowe'en masks entered the Sunset House pub after 9 pm and fired seven shots at Barr, killing him at the scene. The Special Criminal Court heard the case after former judge Paul Coffey recused himself; it is now before Justice Alexander Owens. Liverpool native David Hunter, 41, is accused of the murder. Hunter pleaded not guilty and his barrister formally objected to the court's jurisdiction. The trial, with 168 witnesses, is expected to last four to five weeks. The hearing included testimony about the shooting, the discovery of weapons in a silver Audi A6, and the extradition of Hunter from the UK. The case remains at the trial stage.
Patrick Byrnes, aged 80, was convicted in 2018 by a Central Criminal Court jury of 58 indecent assault charges and two rapes committed between 1975 and 1985. The offences began when his daughters were about seven years old and continued twice weekly for ten years, largely in the family home. Byrnes, a retired taxi driver, denied all charges and claimed the prosecution had failed to properly address alleged fabrication and collusion by the complainants. He appealed on the basis that the trial judge had not adequately directed the jury on how to treat evidence from the two daughters. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, noting that while a perfect trial is ideal, a fair trial is required. Byrnes was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, with two years suspended, by Justice Paul McDermott in October 2018.
Michael Mahon, aged 29, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for a savage, prolonged, drink‑fuelled assault on his then‑girlfriend Catherine Brennan, aged 36. On 12 December 2019, in her home in Ongar, Dublin 15, Mahon, who was extremely drunk, repeatedly punched, kicked and threatened Brennan, saying he would "put a lump of lead into your head" and that he would "cut yiz all in two" and "chop the head off you". Video taken by Brennan on her mobile phone showed Mahon wielding a butcher's knife and a pair of scissors, attempting to cut off her toes and threatening to stab her. Brennan suffered bruising to her face, stomach and legs, and she was in fear for her life. Mahon pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and threatening to kill, and the judge accepted his remorse and cooperation with authorities, back‑dating the term to 14 December 2019.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed a suspended sentence imposed on a Roscommon man convicted of assaulting and falsely imprisoning his ex-partner at her home in Letterkenny, County Donegal on 5 May 2018. Stephen Connor, aged 43, of Tuam, Kilrooskey pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, false imprisonment and production of a knife. Letterkenny Circuit Court imposed sentences totalling four years but suspended the entire term. The DPP argues the suspension constitutes undue leniency given the severity of the offence, described by the sentencing judge as a protracted and brutal onslaught. Counsel for the prosecution submitted the sentence failed to reflect the domestic violence context or provide adequate general deterrence. Defence counsel contended the sentencing judge properly balanced personal and general deterrence considerations. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham, has reserved judgement.
Jason Hodgkins, 31, was at the Beatyard music festival in Dun Laoghaire on 4 August 2018 when he was caught with a drug tablet. Garda Desmond Molloy confronted him, and after Hodgkins was taken outside for a search he became agitated and argued with the officer. A scuffle followed, during which Hodgkins punched the garda six times in the head and tried to bite him. The officer was pepper‑sprayed and Hodgkins was subdued. He pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to a garda and to three counts of possession of small amounts of drugs, including cannabis and a 2CB tablet. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to 240 hours of community service within 12 months, replacing an 18‑month prison term, and imposed two suspended two‑month prison sentences for the drug offences. He had earlier paid €1,500 as a token of remorse, which was donated to Down Syndrome Ireland.
The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the entirely suspended sentence given to Eddie Farnan for a 'terrifying attack' on his partner, Lisa Power, which left her unable to lift her child and suffering whiplash. Farnan, 37, had pleaded guilty to assault and domestic violence on June 2, 2017, and was sentenced by Judge Karen O'Connor to two years and nine months, suspended in full under conditions. The DPP argued that the full suspension was unduly lenient, citing the severity of the assault, the presence of a child, the domestic setting, Farnan's continued violence and resistance to arrest, and changes in societal attitudes to domestic violence. The appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal, with Justice George Birmingham, Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Úna Ni Raifeartaigh reserving judgment. The case highlights the DPP's stance that a fully suspended sentence is insufficient for such domestic violence.
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, William Dollard, a 30‑year‑old homeless man, was convicted of sexual assault and attempted anal rape of a 61‑year‑old homeless man on 30 May 2017 in County Cork. The incident, lasting 11 minutes, was captured on CCTV and involved Dollard assaulting the victim while he lay on blankets on the street. Dollard pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. The court noted his 26 prior convictions, mainly for drink‑related offences, and his alcohol abuse. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of six years for the attempted rape, but, after mitigation, sentenced Dollard to five years and six months with the final 18 months suspended for two years. A concurrent two‑year sentence was imposed for the sexual assault. Conditions include not approaching or contacting the victim. The court heard the victim suffered flashbacks and expressed a desire to move on with his life.
The Special Criminal Court heard that DNA was extracted from items used by David Hunter, a 41‑year‑old UK man extradited from the UK, during his flight back to Ireland. Hunter is accused of murdering Michael Barr, 35, the bar manager of the Sunset House pub in Dublin, on 25 April 2016. Hunter pleaded not guilty and his barrister formally objected to the court's jurisdiction. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn described the shooting: two armed men in rubber masks entered the pub around 9 pm, shot Barr seven times, and fled. Evidence included a silver Audi A6 that was set on fire, a Ford Mondeo, and weapons and masks found in the vehicles. A phone found near a bullet had no fingerprints. DNA from an apple, ear‑plugs, a cigarette butt, and clothing seized at Bridewell matched a mixed profile from a rubber mask and a ski mask. The trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
A 60‑year‑old Galway man was found guilty by a jury of two counts of indecent assault and two counts of rape of his cousin, who was aged between seven and nine at the time. The cousin, who was also the man's godfather, was aged between 22 and 24. The man, now married with adult children, denies the verdicts and maintains his innocence. The victim, who thanked the jury for believing her, said she had lived in constant fear of the man and that the revelations of abuse had torn apart her extended family. She noted that her elderly mother remains unaware of the abuse. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court, with sentencing scheduled for 29 June. The man has been in custody since his conviction in February. The court adjourned the matter to the end of the month for sentencing.
The article reports on the victim impact statements read in court by the eight daughters of James O'Reilly, a 75‑year‑old former resident of Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, who was convicted of 58 counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault after a five‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court. Ms Philomena Connors, the eldest, described how her father's abuse began in early childhood, left her with a sense of emptiness and a belief that what happened was normal. She expressed a desire for her own children to have a normal childhood and stated that the abuse continues to affect her every minute of life. The other seven daughters, represented by a Garda sergeant, also recounted their experiences of fear, control, and ongoing emotional trauma, each describing how the abuse has shaped their lives and relationships. The statements highlight the lasting psychological impact of O'Reilly's crimes on his daughters.". James O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.
A father has appealed his conviction for the sexual assault of his 19-year-old daughter, which allegedly occurred on Christmas morning in 2018. The appellant, who cannot be named to protect his daughter's identity, was found guilty by a jury at Cork Circuit Court last year. Judge Brian O'Callaghan sentenced him to two years in prison. He had no previous convictions or allegations of sexual assault. His barrister, Sean Guerin SC, argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in refusing to allow the defence to put a diary found in the complainant's room to her. The diary contained the words 'Hate Dad', which counsel contended evidenced 'pre-existing malice' and a potential motive for a false allegation. Mr Guerin further submitted that the judge erred in his treatment of corroboration, specifically by failing to warn the jury of the weakness of corroboration based on the complainant's demeanour. He noted she had consumed alcohol and that her upset could be explained by other factors. The DPP's counsel, Imelda Kelly BL, countered that the judge's ruling on the diary was preliminary and that the issue of corroboration was not raised with the trial judge after the charge. The appeal was heard by Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy. The matter was adjourned, with the court to deliver its judgement at a later date.
Derek Devoy, 37, of Balbutcher Lane, Poppintree, Ballymun, admitted to the Special Criminal Court that he had attacked two Gardaí and possessed two sub‑machine guns and a hand grenade near his home in north Dublin last year. He pleaded guilty to four counts: possession of a 9mm Makarov PM 63 sub‑machine gun, possession of a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, and assault on Garda Andrew O'Connor and Garda Conor Garland. The charges stem from incidents on 11 March 2019 at Crannogue Road, Ballymun, where the weapons were found in his possession and the Gardaí were attacked while performing their duties. Devoy was remanded in custody to appear before the Special Criminal Court on 22 June 2020. The court heard the four counts and he pleaded "guilty" to each. No further details of the proceedings or potential sentencing were provided in the article.
James O'Reilly, aged 75, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his younger sister and seven daughters over a 23‑year period from 1977 to 2000. He pleaded not guilty to 81 counts of rape and sexual abuse, but a jury convicted him of 58 counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault. The court heard that he subjected the victims to physical beatings, starvation, and degradation, and that one daughter became pregnant from a rape in 1988 and was further abused during her pregnancy. DNA evidence confirmed he was the father of the child. O'Reilly continues to deny wrongdoing and shows no remorse. The judge described his actions as horrific and noted the prolonged, repetitive nature of the offences. The sentence reflects the severity and duration of the abuse.
In a hearing at the Central Criminal Court on 15 June 2020, the court considered whether isolation caused by coronavirus measures had led Maura Thornton, 38, to breach a condition of her suspended sentence for the manslaughter of her former partner Kevin Joyce, 59. Thornton had been sentenced in 2013 to ten years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended on the condition that she address her alcohol problems. The court heard that Thornton may have exceeded her alcohol limits during the isolation period. The case was adjourned to 29 June. Thornton's 2011 killing of Joyce, an American, involved 18 stab wounds inflicted on Joyce outside her Salthill apartment. The court noted that Thornton had been drinking heavily that night and that she had called the Gardaí after the incident, but they could not interview her due to her intoxication. The judge had previously suspended three years of her sentence to encourage rehabilitation.
Imre Arakas, 62, was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for six years in December 2018 after admitting to conspiring with the Kinahan cartel to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland on 3–4 April 2017. He is serving his sentence in a segregated block at Portlaoise Prison. Lithuanian authorities suspect Arakas, a former ex‑wrestler and separatist, was part of a three‑man gang that planned to murder a man who had an affair with Lithuanian pop star Vita Jakutiene. Lithuanian police seek his surrender to face charges of murder, firearms offences, conspiracy related to the shooting of Deimantas Bugavicius, and a separate criminal damage charge. Arakas was arrested in Dublin in February 2018 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuania. He will challenge the extradition bid in October, with a hearing set for 9 October after a mention on 20 July. The court noted that his sentence is due to expire in October 2029.
During the second day of evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, witness Molly Staunton, 24, was interrupted while giving testimony by a male voice over her video link from New York. The voice told her to stop and not testify. The feed was cut off, but the jury was asked to leave and then return. Staunton later confirmed that Brady had said he wanted to be a good father and that he had told her he killed a cop, a statement she had made to Gardaí in 2017. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and a robbery charge. Justice Michael White instructed the jury to return on Tuesday afternoon.
Eamon Ronald Harrison, 23, of Mayobridge, Co Down, was sought by Essex police for 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration after a trailer containing 39 Vietnamese migrants was found dead in an industrial park in Grays, Essex. The trailer, allegedly delivered by Harrison to a Belgian port before its onward journey to Britain, was recorded as "biscuits." The migrants died from lack of oxygen between 8pm and 10pm, with temperatures inside the unit rising to 38.5°C. Harrison's appeal to stop his extradition to the United Kingdom was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the High Court's decision. The court found the European Arrest Warrant provided sufficient detail of the alleged acts and that all conditions for surrender were met. Harrison was ordered to be extradited to the UK. The appeal was dismissed, and the order will take effect after 10 days from the judgment.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, William Gregory, aged 35, was sentenced to two years in prison for strangling his then‑partner on 22 January 2017. Gregory, who had been heavily intoxicated that day, became jealous after receiving a text message from another man. He pulled the woman by her hair, pinned her to the floor and wrapped an electric cord from a hair curler around her neck, tightening it until she lost consciousness. During the assault he threatened to kill her and spoke of her "last words" and "leaving in a body bag". The victim suffered bruising to her neck, chest and shoulder, significant weight loss and serious depression. Judge Melanie Greally noted Gregory's significant mental health issues stemming from a brain injury sustained in 2012, an organic personality disorder diagnosed in 2019, and his extreme low mental health in March 2019. William Gregory pleaded guilty.
John Power, 28, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for stealing a college student's wallet and phone and for assaulting Jamie O'Connor, a "Good Samaritan", on Westmoreland Street on 11 November last year. Power, who has 88 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one count of assault causing harm. The incident occurred when Power, accompanied by a woman, took the victim's belongings from a counter at Offbeat Donuts. O'Connor, who was walking his baby, confronted them and was threatened with a Stanley blade. Power struck O'Connor's face, slashing his hand; O'Connor received nine stitches. Power was found guilty, expressed remorse, and was described by the judge as a "menace to society". The court imposed a four‑year sentence, suspending the final year on conditions, and noted Power's attempts at reform and drug‑free status. The woman's case remains pending.
The Special Criminal Court denied bail to John Costello, 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, Co Limerick, who is accused of facilitating the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Mr Costello is charged with knowledge of the existence of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to persons with the intention of facilitating the offence. State counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC submitted Garda objection to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing a risk of further serious offences. Mr Justice Alexander Owens refused the application and remanded Mr Costello in custody until September 14 for the preparation of the Book of Evidence. Two co-accused were also remanded to the same date. Larry McCarthy, 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick City, is charged with making a vehicle available to the criminal organisation between 27 and 29 June 2015. Noel Price, 42, of Kileely Road, Kileely, Limerick City, faces the same charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. The matter was adjourned for the preparation of the Book of Evidence.
The High Court ordered the extradition of Ronan Hughes, 40, to the United Kingdom to face 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Mr Justice Paul Burns rejected Hughes' objection that the alleged offences occurred outside UK territory, ruling that the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals occurred within UK territorial waters and that the conspiracy was furthered in the UK. Hughes, from Co Monaghan, is alleged to be the ringleader of an organised crime group that trafficked the migrants. The court ordered his surrender to take effect on June 15, 2020, following a request by Counsel for the Minister for Justice to shorten the usual 15-day period. Hughes was remanded in custody for not more than 15 days. This decision follows his arrest in April 2020 under a European Arrest Warrant. The source text also references a separate Court of Appeal case involving Eamon Ronald Harrison, where judgment was reserved on charges of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property, and Maurice Robinson, who pleaded guilty to similar charges. However, the primary focus of this report is the High Court's finalisation of Hughes' extradition.
A witness testified at the Central Criminal Court that Aaron Brady, the man accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, admitted to killing someone and stated he carried "the guilt of having murdered a cop in Ireland". Molly Staunton, giving evidence via video link from New York, told the court that in July 2016 Brady lived in an apartment there with her then boyfriend and another man. She recalled an evening when Brady emerged from his bedroom appearing distressed and intoxicated, claiming he had shot a police officer in Ireland and feared gardaí would come to the apartment. Brady, aged 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Donohoe on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. The trial, before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury, continues.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that a 39‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault against his 13‑year‑old cousin in 1995 and 1996. The victim, whose identity is protected, said the assaults occurred when the defendant was about 16. She described the first assault as the defendant rubbing his genitals against her outside her clothing and threatening her mother with a heart attack. In a second incident he pushed her onto a bed and molested her; she pushed him off but was too afraid to report it. The victim and her mother approached Gardaí around 1999, but no prosecution was pursued. The victim emigrated and could not attend the hearing; her impact statement was read by the prosecutor. The defendant expressed remorse, citing his youth and lack of awareness of wrongdoing, and requested a non‑custodial sentence. Justice Tara Burns adjourned sentencing to 18 June and remanded the defendant on bail.
A Dublin man, Ray Kennedy, 40, is charged with perverting the course of justice for destroying a SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath. Kennedy faces trial at the Special Criminal Court on 11 January 2021, a hearing expected to last four to five weeks. The case is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
A trial date has been set for the Special Criminal Court to hear the murder case of gangland figure Eamon Kelly, who was shot on 4 December 2012 at Furry Park Road, Killester. The accused are Kenneth Donohoe, 43, of Hazelgrove Estate, Tallaght, and Darren Murphy, 49, of Rory O'Connor House, Dublin 1. Both men face charges of murder and a connected firearms offence for unlawful possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the trial for 10 June 2021, with an expected duration of six weeks.
Alan Wilson, aged 40, has been set a trial date of 4 October 2021 at the Special Criminal Court for three counts of attempted murder linked to a shooting at The Players Lounge pub in Fairview, Dublin. He is accused of attempting to kill Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell on 26 July 2010. Wilson also faces charges of possessing a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a .32 Auto Zastava semi‑automatic pistol, and corresponding ammunition, all with intent to endanger life. He denied the allegations during a brief hearing and was joined by video‑link.
A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the manslaughter of a teenager in Castlebar, County Mayo. The defendant, who cannot be named under court order, was convicted in July 2017 of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Dovydas Jenkas in the early hours of December 19, 2015. The victim, from Mount Street in Claremorris, died from a single stab wound. Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a headline sentence of nine years, reduced to six years with the final year suspended, taking into account the defendant's age at the time—he was fifteen—and subsequent conduct. The judge noted he immediately admitted responsibility, expressed genuine remorse, and has cooperated fully with gardaí and probation services. She found no evidence of prior conflict between the youths and highlighted that the defendant was armed while the victim was not. Sentencing was delayed multiple times owing to the defendant's medical condition, requiring brain surgery. The victim's family has stated they remain devastated by his death. The unnamed 20-year-old was acquitted.
Four men faced the Special Criminal Court on charges of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien were named in court, while a fourth defendant cannot be identified for legal reasons. The trial is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2021. The court heard that the case involves approximately 50,000 documents requiring digital processing, with disclosure expected within four to six weeks. O'Reilly and Redmond had their bail extended to January, while O'Brien and the fourth accused were remanded in custody. A vehicle belonging to the unnamed defendant and seized as evidence was destroyed while in Garda possession, described as occurring "apparently by accident". The defence sought full disclosure regarding the vehicle's destruction. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt ordered the four men to have no contact with persons involved in the case and issued an alibi warning.
A 46-year-old man has appealed his sentence for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, pleaded guilty to defilement and sexual exploitation of a child and three charges of sexual assault occurring between September 2014 and August 2015. He had six previous convictions, including for sexual assault in 1993. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice White imposed a nine-year sentence, with the final two years suspended. The man argued in his appeal to the Court of Appeal that the sentencing judge placed too much weight on his claim that the girl initiated the contact due to hormonal urges. His barrister, Colman Cody SC, submitted that undue weight was attached to this factor. The court heard evidence that the man had been in a relationship with the girl's mother and that phone analysis confirmed he sent sexualised text messages to her. The survivor stated she initially viewed him as a father figure but later realized the abuse was not normal. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham with Justices Kennedy and Ni Raifeartaigh, reserved judgement and will deliver their decision at a later date.
In a case involving a 17‑year‑old who robbed, falsely imprisoned and assaulted three 15‑year‑old boys in St Aidan's Park, Marino, the Court of Appeal reduced his four‑year sentence. The teenager, who was part of a group that forced the boys to hand over phones and money or face stabbing, later kicked and punched one boy. He pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, two counts of assault causing harm and three counts of false imprisonment. The original sentence, imposed by Judge Martin Nolan on 12 April 2019, was four years' detention. On appeal, the Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had erred by not deferring the sentence until after the offender turned 18, which would have allowed part of the term to be suspended.
A 65-year-old Mayo man has appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge the severity of his sentence for sexually abusing three sisters over an 18-year period beginning in 1976. The man was convicted in October 2017 by a Mayo Circuit Criminal Court jury on 19 counts of indecent assault against one sister and one count each against her two siblings. He received a concurrent seven-year prison sentence. His previous appeal against conviction was refused last month. During today's hearing, his barrister argued that the seven-year term was disproportionate and that the trial judge had erred in principle when assessing the gravity of offences against the middle sister. The barrister submitted the sentencing should have been placed in the mid-range rather than near the top of the scale. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham and including Justice John Edwards and Justice Patrick McCarthy, reserved its decision.
The Supreme Court has granted declarations to an unnamed woman, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity of violent crimes, regarding the handling of her bid to vary living arrangements during conditional release from the Central Mental Hospital (CMH). The Court overturned lower court decisions, holding that the CMH's Clinical Director was wrong to refuse arrangements to facilitate a variation directed by the Mental Health Review Board. The Court declared that the Director failed to perform a statutory duty and that the Review Board's decision, which balances clinical decisions, patient rights, and public interest, must be put into effect. The Court noted the Director acted in the woman's best interests but that the role of determining how interests are protected lies with the Review Board. The woman, who is now unconditionally released and resides with her family, was not found to be entitled to damages for breach of her constitutional rights. However, the matter was adjourned to a later date to determine whether she is entitled to damages under the ECHR Act. The appeal was heard by a panel including Chief Justice Frank Clarke and Ms Justice Marie Baker, who delivered the judgment.
Two men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to an alleged attempted murder in Limerick in 2015. John Costello, aged 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, County Limerick, faced charges of knowledge of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to facilitate the attempted murder of Christy Keane at University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Larry McCarthy, aged 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Court Road, Limerick City, was charged with making a vehicle available to the same criminal organisation in connection with the alleged incident between 27 and 29 June 2015. Both charges fall under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. McCarthy was arrested in Buncrana, County Donegal. The court heard an application for medical attention regarding an injury sustained by McCarthy. Both men were remanded in custody, with the cases adjourned to 12 June.
In 2020 the Court of Appeal reduced a 30‑year restriction on Daniel Wildes, who had assaulted his former partner, Natasha Cummins, to three years. Wildes, aged 33, had been sentenced in 2018 to four years' imprisonment with the final year suspended for three years, on condition he keep the peace and stay away from Cummins for 30 years. The appeal argued the 30‑year order was disproportionate, affecting his rights to associate with his children and enjoy family life. The Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and re‑sentenced him to four years, suspending the final year for three years, but imposed a three‑year restriction during the suspended period that he must not contact Cummins or cause others to do so, except for his solicitor writing in relation to their children. The court also required him to comply with any probation recommendations for domestic‑violence and anger‑management courses.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a plot by the Kinahan organised crime group to murder Patrick 'Patsy' Hutch. At a sentence hearing, Michael Burns, Ciaran O'Driscoll, and Stephen Curtis admitted to facilitating the intended killing. Burns pleaded guilty to passing instructions, acting as a communications conduit, transporting members, and planning the shooting. O'Driscoll pleaded guilty to acting as a look-out and assisting in planning. Curtis admitted to providing mobile phones, SIM cards, and credit, and assisting in planning. The court heard that the gang paid €20,000 for setting up hits and maintained a hierarchical structure. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher detailed the three-stage plan, including a staging post, a ruse to lure the victim, and a getaway route. The court accepted that the gang is involved in execution-type murders. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Dermot Dempsey, remanded the three men in custody until June 29, when they will be sentenced. In a related matter, Mark Capper was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for providing vehicles and reconnaissance. Previously, Gary Thompson, Glen Thompson, and Robert Browne were sentenced to 12 years and six months, 12 years and six months, and 11 years and six months, respectively, for planning the murder.
In a trial that began in January, Mr Justice Michael White apologized to a jury of six men and seven women for delays caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and other legal matters. He explained that the jury need not attend until 8 June, while the court addressed issues in their absence, and that the trial is expected to continue until the end of June, though he noted it is hard to predict. Mr White also informed the jury that witnesses from America would testify, with court sittings scheduled at 2 pm to accommodate the time difference. The case concerns Aaron Brady, 28, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge involving approximately €7,000. The jury heard testimony from a female witness who observed Brady on the day of the shooting and from Sgt John Barnes, who described a search of Brady's home. The trial continues.
The High Court ordered the HSE to detain and admit a mentally ill man, aged in his fifties, to a hospital for medical treatment. The man, whose identity is withheld, has a history of psychiatric care and violent outbursts, and is considered a risk to family, women and vulnerable people. He has been diagnosed with emotional instability and Factitious Disorder, and reports hearing voices that urge him to harm others. After being released from a voluntary hospital placement, he lived in appalling squalor, covered in urine and feces, with his skin in a condition that could lead to sepsis. He refused cooperation with medical professionals, stating "If I die, I die." The HSE sought orders to detain him and make him a Ward of Court, while a guardian-at-litem and independent medical visitor were appointed to assess his capacity. The matter was adjourned to early next month. The unnamed man was convicted.